Blepharoplasty Chicago

The eyes are one of the most important features of the human face. They balance the facial structures, express emotion, and contribute to an overall sense beauty. The eyes, however, are one of the first places to show signs of aging. Sagging tissue of the upper eyelid, or fine lines of the under the eye, can make the face look tired, disinterested, unhealthy, and older. While many factors contribute to the changing look of the eyes, sun damage, smoking, illness, and genetics can compound these issues.

To turn back the hands of time, Gold Coast Plastic Surgery offers patients the Blepharoplasty, or Eyelid Lift. The Upper and Lower Lid Blepharoplasty are surgical procedures designed to reduce the lax, drooping skin of the eyelids. During the operation, excess skin is removed, eliminating the sagging tissue and quickly taking years off of the appearance. The bulging fat pads of the upper and lower eyelid are dramatically reduced, providing patients with a well-rested, refreshed look. The procedure can be performed on the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or a combination of both, depending on the patient’s specific needs.

Who Is the Ideal Blepharoplasty Candidate?

The best candidate for a Blepharoplasty will be any man or woman in good health, who is experiencing lax tissue of the upper or lower eye. People with realistic surgical expectations, and who are knowledgeable about the recovery process, make excellent Eyelid Lift patients. At the Blepharoplasty consultation, Dr. Moynihan will assist in determining if the Blepharoplasty is right for an individual’s unique needs.

The Blepharoplasty Consultation

Prior to committing to a Blepharoplasty, a private consultation with Dr. Moynihan will be scheduled. At this time, he will perform a brief exam of the facial anatomy, review the medical history, and discuss current medications. He will take a few minutes to listen to the patient’s aesthetic goals and desires. Dr. Moynihan will go over all of the surgical and noninvasive techniques for an Eyelid Lift, show Before and After photos of his recent Blepharoplasty patients, and use computer imagery to assist in a visualization of the potential results. If the Blepharoplasty is determined to be the right procedure for the individual situation, a unique surgical plan will be created. At this time, Dr. Moynihan will determine the exact cost of the upcoming Blepharoplasty and the patient coordinator will review all of the payment options offered at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery.

The Blepharoplasty Procedure

The Blepharoplasty can be performed individually on the upper eyelid or the lower eyelid, as well as on a combination of both, depending on a patient’s individual needs. Dr. Moynihan normally performs the Blepharoplasty as an outpatient procedure, under general anesthesia or IV sedation. The surgery can take between one and three hours to complete. Dr. Moynihan has developed his own, innovative Blepharoplasty techniques that provide better results, with less bruising or complications, than ever before. The Eyelid Lift alone can provide excellent results. Patients may also choose to combine the Blepharoplasty with other rejuvenating procedures, such as a Face Lift or a Fat Transfer, for optimal results.

Upper Lid Blepharoplasty:

The thin tissue of the upper eyelid can lose its elasticity over the years, eventually pulling downward over the eyes. This droop will give the eyes a tired, unhappy look. At times, this heavy tissue may even begin to impair the eyesight. The Upper Lid Blepharoplasty will remove excess, stretched tissue from the eyelid and smooth the skin to open up the eyes.

To begin the Upper Lid Blepharoplasty, Dr. Moynihan will make a tiny incision across the crease of the upper eyelid. From here, he will remove excess fatty tissue and skin. The remaining muscle and skin will be pulled taut. Once the correction is complete, sutures will be placed to hold the area safely in place, allowing for appropriate healing.

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty:

As the fatty tissues around the eyes age, they can begin to sink or pull away from the face. This can result in the appearance of dark circles or “bags” under the eyes. By removing lax tissue from under the eye, puffy tissue is eliminated, providing a well-rested look. Extra volume can also be added under the eye and along the upper cheek to restore healthy facial contours.

Dr. Moynihan will begin the Lower Lid Blepharoplasty by making a small incision inside the lower eyelid, or underneath the lower lash line. From here, he will meticulously remove the excess fatty tissue from under the eye, as well as remove any loose skin. The remaining tissue will be lifted, the muscles tightened, and the skin pulled taut. Once repositioned, Dr. Moynihan uses sutures to put a final hold on the tissues, keeping them safely in place until completely healed.

Recovering From a Blepharoplasty

Patients should expect the recovery from a Blepharoplasty to take between 10 and 14 days. Initially, bruising and swelling will occur. These are usually minimal and will diminish over the first several weeks. Only mild pain is usually experienced, although patients note some tightness and soreness across the upper or lower eyelids. Dr. Moynihan will prescribe appropriate medications to keep patients comfortable during their recovery.

Within a week of surgery, patients are generally feeling well enough to return to work or school. Vigorous activity and strenuous exercise should be postponed for four to six weeks; however light activities can be resumed in five to seven days.

Tips for a Smooth Eyelid Lift Recovery:

Fill your prescriptions prior to the day of surgery.

Keep your head elevated, even when sleeping.

Use an icepack to reduce swelling: 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.

Steer clear of stress. Allow yourself a peaceful recovery period.

Eat healthy and drink plenty of water.

Potential Blepharoplasty Complications

Gold Coast Plastic Surgery is considered a leader in Blepharoplasty procedures. Their Eyelid Lift is extremely safe and effective. As the procedure is an invasive surgery, there is always the small chance for complications to occur. Risks include hematoma, bleeding, infection, scarring, and blindness.

To minimalize the chance for complications following an Eyelid Lift, patients are encouraged to use a well-respected, experienced cosmetic surgeon. Gold Coast Plastic Surgery has been providing the Eyelid Lift for over a decade. Dr. Moynihan is double Board Certified by the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He has extensive experience in the Blepharoplasty procedure. Dr. Moynihan and the professionals at Gold Coast Plastic surgery guarantee the lowest risk for problems after an Eyelid Lift procedure.

Cost of Blepharoplasty

The exact cost of a Blepharoplasty will depend on the techniques used by Dr. Moynihan and the extent of correction required. On average, the cost of an Eyelid Lift at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery will be between $2,000 and $6,000. At the consultation appointment, Dr. Moynihan will determine the exact cost of an upcoming Blepharoplasty. The patient coordinator will also use this time to further discuss the payment and financing options available. Dr. Moynihan accepts cash, all major credit cards, and healthcare financing through CareCredit.

Chicago Blepharoplasty Surgeon

Contact Gold Coast Plastic Surgery for more information about Blepharoplasty by calling our office at (312) 988-9300. We will answer any questions you may have, and will help set up a consultation appointment with Dr. Moynihan. Contact us if you need help with driving directions or any other travel inquiries.

Blepharoplasty FAQs

What is a Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty, also known as an Eye Lift, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to correct puffiness and depressions of the lower eyelids, as well as eliminate excess skin and/or fullness of the upper eyelids. The procedure may be performed on the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both.

Who is a good candidate for Blepharoplasty?

Both men and women, looking to improve the appearance of the eyes, may be good candidates for Blepharoplasty. The surgery may not be appropriate for patients with chronic dry eyes or certain thyroid disorders.

What happens during the Blepharoplasty consultation?

During the Blepharoplasty consultation, Dr. Moynihan will perform a quick examination of the eyes, test the vision, and tear production. He will review the medical history and any current medications. At this time, Dr. Moynihan will explain the procedure at length and determine the exact price of the recommended Blepharoplasty. Choices in payment plan and financing will be detailed, as well.

Where is Blepharoplasty surgery performed?

Dr. Moynihan often performs Blepharoplasty in an outpatient surgical center. In some cases, upper eyelid Blepharoplasty may be performed in his office-based surgical suite.

What anesthesia is used for the Blepharoplasty procedure?

Sedation, local anesthesia, or general anesthesia may be used for Blepharoplasty.

How is the Blepharoplasty performed?

An upper lid Blepharoplasty utilizes small incisions within the natural creases of the upper eyelid. Excess muscle and fat are then removed. The lower lid Blepharoplasty requires a tiny incision within the eyelid or immediately under the lower lash line. From here, fat of the lower eyelids may be removed or repositioned, providing a healthy appearance.

How long will the Blepharoplasty procedure take to perform?

The Blepharoplasty usually takes one to two hours to complete.

Where are the incisions made for Blepharoplasty?

The incisions for an upper Eyelid Lift are made within the natural crease of the upper eyelids; a lower Eyelid Lift requires an incision inside of the bottom eyelid, or under the lower lash line.

Will I have scars after undergoing Blepharoplasty?

While the Blepharoplasty does result in scarring, these tend to be very small. Normally, scars are well concealed, either in the natural crease of the upper eyelid, or inside of the lower eyelid.

Is a Blepharoplasty painful?

After a Blepharoplasty, patients may experience mild discomfort and a tight or sore feeling in the eyelids. Dr. Moynihan will prescribe the appropriate pain medications to keep patients healing comfortably at home.

What is the recovery like after undergoing blepharoplasty?

Patients should expect their Blepharoplasty recovery to take about a week. Some bruising and swelling are common, but these will fade over the first five to 10 days.

When can I return to work after a Blepharoplasty?

Patients are normally feeling well enough to return to work five to seven days after their Blepharoplasty.

Can I exercise after my Blepharoplasty procedure?

One week after a Blepharoplasty, light exercise can usually be resumed. Strenuous activities and exercise will need to be suspended between two and four weeks.

When are the stitches removed after the Blepharoplasty procedure?

Dr. Moynihan’s lower eyelid Blepharoplasty does not require any stitches. The upper eyelid Blepharoplasty uses sutures, however, and these are removed after a week.

How long will my Eyelid Lift results last?

The results from an Eye Lift are permanent. Normal aging of the tissues and the forces of gravity will continue to occur, though, which may slightly alter the results over time.

What are the complications associated with a Blepharoplasty?

The Blepharoplasty is considered safe and efficient. As it is a surgical procedure, there is always the risk of cosmetic asymmetry, swelling, dry eyes, insufficient eye closure, and lid malposition (ectropion).

Will my insurance company cover the cost of Blepharoplasty?

Normally, the Blepharoplasty is not covered by medical insurance. However, in some cases, health benefits will cover an Eyelid Lift if it is beneficial to a patient’s vision. For more information, contact your insurance provider.

How much does a Blepharoplasty procedure cost?

A Blepharoplasty at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery can cost between $2,000 and $6,000, depending on the extent of the procedure. This includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee, and surgical center cost. At your consultation appointment, Dr. Moynihan will go over the exact cost of the Eyelid Lift, as well as review all of your payment and financing options.

Can I finance my Blepharoplasty procedure?

Yes, patients have the option to pay for their Blepharoplasty, and other procedures from Gold Coast Plastic Surgery, using cash, credit card, and healthcare financing through CareCredit.